Russian Military in Syria

In September 2015 Russian military forces intervened in Syria initially as part of a limited campaign against so-called Islamic State terrorists. This campaign turned into more substantive military support to Syrian dictator Bashar al-Assad in his deadly fight with opposition groups, killing thousands of civilians in rebel-held areas. Operations came to an end with Assad’s fall in December 2024.

Airwars documented thousands of allegations of civilian harm from Russian strikes in Syria and produced research and reports on the conflict.

Airwars estimate of civilian deaths

4,431 – 6,522

Locally reported civilian deaths from declared or likely Russian Military actions in Syria for which the reporting was assessed by Airwars as Fair, or have been Confirmed by the Russian Military. These originate from 4,977 separate alleged incidents.

1,174 – 1,440
children likely killed
647 – 782
women likely killed
6,672
likely injured
3,500
named victims

Russian Military estimate of civilian deaths

0

Confirmed civilian deaths, from Russian Military actions in Syria, originating from 0 separate incidents of civilian harm.

civilians confirmed injured
Alleged deaths
15,841 – 25,260
Locally reported civilian deaths from Russian Military actions in Syria.
4,977 seperate alleged incidents
Confirmed or Fair
4,431 – 6,522
Civilian deaths for which the reporting was assessed by Airwars as Fair, or have been Confirmed by Russian Military
1,380 seperate alleged incidents
Weak
739 – 861
Civilian deaths for which the reporting was assessed by Airwars as Weak.
466 seperate alleged incidents
Contested
10,557 – 17,748
Civilian deaths for which the reporting is assessed by Airwars as Contested.
3,115 seperate alleged incidents
Discounted
114 – 129
Civilian deaths were Discounted by Airwars after assessment.
16 seperate alleged incidents
4942 incidents
Order results by:
Incident DatePublication Date

Incident Date

10 June 2019

Incident Code

RS3782

Location

معرة حرمة, Ma’aret Harma, Idlib, Syria
Two civilians reported killed in airstrikes on Ma’aret Harma, Idlib, on June 10th. Syrian Network for Human Rights reported that "two civilians from the same family" perished in the attack, while numerous other sources also cite two deaths. The Syrian Human Rights Committee named the two victims as  Abdullah Muhammad al-Ismail and Sattouf Ahmad Al-Ismail.…

Summary

Published
10 June 2019
Strike Type
Airstrike
Civilians reported killed
2
Military Actor
Russian Military
View Incident

Incident Date

9 June 2019

Incident Code

RS3774

Location

خان شيخون, Khan Sheikhoun, Ma'arat al-Numan, Syria
Smart News Agency reported that one civilian was killed in alleged Russian airstrikes on Khan Sheikhoun, Idlib, on June 9th, 2019. Another source reported that a civilian was injured. Other sources blamed the Syrian regime for the airstrikes. Smart News Agency reported that "the Russian air force launched several airstrikes targeting Khan Sheikhoun," as well…

Summary

Published
9 June 2019
Strike Type
Airstrike
Civilians reported killed
1
Civilians reported injured
1
Causes of Death / Injury
Heavy weapons and explosive munitions
Military Actor
Russian Military
View Incident

Incident Date

9 June 2019

Incident Code

RS3775

Location

كفر زيتا, Kfar Zeita, Hama, Syria
Two civilians were reportedly killed and four others were injured in alleged Russian and/or Syrian regime air and/or artillery strikes on the city of Kfar Zeita on June 9th, 2019, according to local sources. Based on local activists, Smart News Agency reported that "two people were killed and four others were injured, as the warplanes of…

Summary

Published
9 June 2019
Strike Type
Airstrike and/or Artillery
Civilians reported killed
2
Civilians reported injured
4
Causes of Death / Injury
Heavy weapons and explosive munitions
Military Actor
Russian Military
View Incident

Incident Date

9 June 2019

Incident Code

RS3777

Location

اللطامنة, Al-Lataminah, Hama, Syria
Local sources reported that a woman and a child were injured in alleged Russian or Syrian regime airstrikes on the city of Al-Lataminah in the northern Hama countryside on June 9th, 2019. According to a @HalabTodayTV correspondent, "a woman and her child were wounded as a result of an airstrike by the regime's air force…

Summary

Published
9 June 2019
Strike Type
Airstrike
Civilians reported injured
2
Military Actor
Russian Military
View Incident

Incident Date

9 June 2019

Incident Code

RS3772

Location

عدة بلدات في ريف إدلب, Several towns in Idlib countryside, Idlib, Syria
Shaam News reported a number of attacks by Russian forces on several towns and villages in Idlib on June 9th. According to this source, "Russian aircraft launched airstrikes amidst artillery and missile attacks on the towns and villages of Khan Sheikhoun, Tal Ass, Al Mastouma, Arenaba, Al Qasabiyah, Bazabur, Kferlata, Kafar Lata, Jabal Al-Arbaeen, Ahsem,…

Summary

Published
9 June 2019
Strike Type
Airstrike and/or Artillery
Civilians reported injured
2
Military Actor
Russian Military
View Incident

Incident Date

9 June 2019

Incident Code

RS3778

Location

بزابور, Bazabour, Idlib, Syria
Six civilians, including four women and a child, were injured in alleged Russian or Syrian regime air or artillery strikes on the village of Bazabour, Idlib governorate, on June 9th, 2019, according to local sources. @ShahbaPress reported that "six civilians, including a girl and four women, were wounded as a result of the Assad forces' bombing…

Summary

Published
9 June 2019
Strike Type
Airstrike and/or Artillery
Civilians reported injured
6
Military Actor
Russian Military
View Incident